The year 1996 promised to be and was a wonderful year chock full of challenges, victories, and new beginnings.  It was early January 1996 when Sorors Arrie McAlister and Valeria S. Collins first discussed the possibility of a second chapter in Fayetteville-Cumberland County Area.  Shortly thereafter they agreed to meet and discuss the matter.  That first meeting resulted in the compilation of a list of thirty-nine potential participants.  Other contacts were made, newspaper ads were run, and finally the first meeting was scheduled.

     Monday, May 13, 1996 sent our hopes and expectations to soaring heights.  The group met for the first time with other Sorors to discuss the possibility of forming an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Interest Group.  That meeting was held at the Cumberland County Main Library with the following Sorors in attendance: Sorors Valeria Collins, Arrie McAlister, Sarah Watson, Barbara Melvin, Daisy Thompson, Robbie Lindsey, Charlene Sumlin and Beverly Simmons.

     The initial goals for the groups were: 1.  To expand the Alpha Kappa Alpha presence in the Fayetteville area by reaching out to the Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base population.  2.  To diligently seek out those Sorors in the area who are inactive and who would be interested in a growth opportunity.  3.  To develop a plan of action.

    A name was selected from among several suggetions.  It was noted that though the organization was founded upon the principle of college-level Greek lettered fellowship, it was also important to keep the link between the sisterhood and our African-American heritage.  Thus, the name Harambee was chosen.  Harambee is a Swahili word first coined by Jomo Kenyatta, meaning "self-help," or "pull-together."

    Success!  A list of the name of thirty-seven Sorors was submitted to the Alpha Kappa Alpha National Office for consideration.  The Regional Director selected September 14, 1996 for the date to meet with Harambee.  During the meeting, Harambee proudly spoke of it "Shower of Love"  commitment, the "Operation Smooth Move" activity at Fayetteville State University, the "1996 Heart Walk", political activism, minority health issue collaborations, fund-raising endeavors, etc.

A tentative date for chartering was scheduled Sunday, December 1, 1996.  The official application packet bearing the names of thirty-seven Sorors was submitted to the Regional Director, September 27, 1996.  The AKA Directorate met November 2, 1996 and gave official confirmation of our efforts.  The time for a real celebration of thankfulness was upon Harambee. The chartering date of December 1, 1996 was confirmed.